Disrupted travel for half a million passengers due to French airline worker strikes
In an unprecedented move, French air traffic controllers have embarked on a strike, demanding better pay, increased staffing, and improved management practices. The strike, led by the UNSA-ICNA union and USAC-CGT, is affecting over 500,000 travelers and causing widespread disruptions across Europe.
The strike, which began on July 3, 2025, coincided with the start of the French school summer holidays, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The timing has intensified the impact, with transport officials and the government criticising the decision to strike during this peak season.
The strike has resulted in numerous flight cancellations and delays, particularly in Paris airports (Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Beauvais), southern and island airports like Nice, Bastia, and Calvi, and regional airports such as Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Ajaccio, and Figari. Airlines, such as Ryanair, have reported cancellations exceeding 400 flights, affecting roughly 70,000 passengers.
Despite preemptive cancellations mandated by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), long delays and further disruptions are expected at all French airports as the strike continues. The ripple effect of the strike extends beyond France, disrupting European air traffic due to the central role French airspace plays in continental routes, causing delays and cancellations in other countries.
The air traffic controllers' main demand is to resist measures aimed at increasing flight safety, particularly the implementation of presence checks in control towers, a point of contention. The strike has been condemned by Airlines for Europe (A4E), with Ourania Georgoutsakou, A4E Director General, describing it as intolerable.
Philippe Tabarot, French Minister of Transport, made a statement about the strike's impact on over 500,000 people. The French National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (FNAM) has criticised the strike, calling it unnecessary. Despite these criticisms, the striking air traffic controllers remain steadfast in their demands.
The strike is a significant blow to the travel industry, disrupting vacation plans for thousands of people in France and across Europe. As the strike continues, travelers face continued uncertainty and disruption, with authorities mandating flight reductions to manage the situation. The European Union is being urged to reform air traffic rules to prevent such widespread disruption in the future.
The strike's timing during the French school summer holidays, one of the busiest travel periods, has intensified its impact, making it a significant blow to the travel lifestyle of millions of Europeans. Surrounding the demand for better pay, increased staffing, and improved management practices, sports enthusiasts may find their travel plans disrupted due to delayed or cancelled flights, especially during major sports events in France and across Europe.
